A Dutch Group 1861

"A Dutch Group" is a woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshikazu, a prominent Japanese artist who specialized in depicting scenes of daily life. The artwork, which dates back to 1861, showcases a group of Dutch individuals, likely merchants or visitors, interacting with a Japanese individual working at a stove. The artist's keen observation of western fashion and customs is evident in the depiction of the Dutch clothing and the overall scene. The print exemplifies the fascination with foreign cultures during the late Edo period, a time of increasing Western influence on Japan. This piece is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.